The city of Sacramento has released a draft of its updated traffic safety plan, as officials try to reverse years of deaths and serious injuries on local streets. The document is an update to the city's Vision Zero Action Plan.
The Vision Zero Action Plan was first adopted in 2017, with the ambitious goal of reaching zero traffic deaths by 2027. In the years since, however, the city has continued to record a heavy toll, with hundreds of people killed in crashes on its roads.
According to city figures, between 2015 and 2024 a total of 332 people were killed on Sacramento streets. Just this year alone, 21 people have already died, underscoring how far the city remains from its target as the 2027 deadline approaches.
The data also points to where the danger is concentrated. Recent figures show that about 14% of Sacramento streets account for 77% of all traffic-related deaths and injuries, allowing officials to focus attention on the corridors where the most severe crashes happen.
The city says the new plan focuses on street redesign, safer crosswalks and intersections, speed management and the possible use of red light cameras. Officials note that the two key factors behind fatal injuries are driving at unsafe speeds and impaired driving, and say the aim is to reduce speeds so that crashes become more survivable.
Not everyone is satisfied with the pace of change. Advocates say the city is moving too slowly and want to see some measures begin now rather than later. For its part, the city council is asking the public to weigh in on the draft plan, with several community workshops scheduled over the next few months.